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...Rooibos honey will do, please...
Odyssey Investigations: AEAEA - Chapter 0
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...Rooibos honey will do, please...
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...? What on earth is that ruckus coming from the Lobby?
Hm, well if I had to make an educated guess based on the rather high-pitched vocalizations now ringing through the air... I would say that perhaps Reginald can handle this one. I have my doubts that she'll be allowed much further without Mr. Aldrich's approval regardless. She certainly made it through security faster than expected though.
Ah, and Mr. Tarlow seems to have captured the attention of the chef. Well, I'll leave them be. After spending hours in a rather cramped aircraft, I could use a spot of fresh air before we join Mr. DeMorge and hear a little more about this conference and his mysterious patron. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to get a look at the greater layout of the place beyond the boundaries of this particular building.
Indeed, I believe I'll take a stroll through the gardens - and perhaps take a glance at the pub and adjacent lounge on the way.
Of course, it's far too early for a drink. I suppose I'm simply curious as to the atmosphere.
I collect my and Mr. Sholmes' passes, then walk over to the guest book. Taking advantage of the scene BB is making with her... BBs, I flip through the guest book, taking note of any odd names I see in there. Pay especially close attention to any that start with L or M, or seem needlessly flamboyant.
If Ethos seems to become suspicious, I quickly pretend I was merely signing the book, as I assume is customary.
If Ethos seems to become suspicious, I quickly pretend I was merely signing the book, as I assume is customary.
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Ah, but of course. The more the merrier, as they say. Another pair of eyes certainly wouldn't hurt either, at least while Reginald finds himself occupied. A shame, I'm sure he'd like to examine these gardens himself. Perhaps I'll relay any relevant findings or interesting sights upon my return.
Now, come along - and keep your eyes peeled. While it's true that I'm merely doing a spot of sightseeing, there's a certain rare flower I'm interested in myself.
So, if you spy a Red Lotus among the lot, do feel free to interrupt my prattling and give me a shout.
If none of the staff are around, I'd like to covertly check any bookcases in the Lobby, Conference Rooms and Lounge to make sure they're stocked with ample copies of my works. If not, I'll slip in a few I've brought with me - Slicer IV: The Blade is Back, Stump, CRAB!!. Remove some lesser books if they're taking up too much space.
Leave a few flyers for my new book at reception, too.
Leave a few flyers for my new book at reception, too.
Ah, but of course. The more the merrier, as they say. Another pair of eyes certainly wouldn't hurt either, at least while Reginald finds himself occupied. A shame, I'm sure he'd like to examine these gardens himself. Perhaps I'll relay any relevant findings or interesting sights upon my return.
[EARLIER THAT DAY]
Beyond the veil of clouds, flying 40,000 feet above an endless, indifferent ocean, a lone plane cuts through the azure void. Its cramped innards are densely packed with a shapeless blob of tourists, trapped in seats small enough to betray their architect's malevolent intent . The air is dense with the smell of stale sweat and cheap perfume, and the wails of a dozen discontented infants reverberate through the metal tube like the deafening laughter of a madman. For all accounts, it is a flying coffin disguised as a harmless commodity; the true face of public transportation.
In the midst of this lunacy--gripped by that emotional cocktail of exhaustion and excitement one can only experience on the way to their vacation destination--sit celebrity investigator Herlock Sholmes, and his fibrous partner and ex-criminal, Dr.
All in all, it is just another ordinary day for the occupants of 221b Baker Street.
Now, let's see here… The conference rooms, of course, of course. A pool? Well, I suppose that's to be expected. And over here… well, I may just have to peruse this Library during our stay…
Ah! Have a look at this!
Botanical gardens - a pair of them, no less. It appears, Reginald, that the AEAEA Conference has something for everyone after all. Of course, we're not going entirely for leisure - but I suspect that we'll find ourselves with at least some manner of free time on our hands.
If we find ourselves waiting about… you should take a moment to visit.
Ah, uhm... T-That is quite fine.
I... I get to look at plants every day. I've started to see green spots before my eyes even.
It's time to get out of the lab for once. This is supposed to be a vacation.
Even if... The tropics are bound to have some unique specimen
I've never seen before... (And likely never will again).
Hm...
Believe me, I am painfully aware of London's relatively lacking botanical presence - and I'm sure you'll find all manner of plant life present at a point of international confluence such as this. You never know, you may find it refreshing for a change. Perhaps it could serve to ease your nerves a bit?
Aaeeh,,, No! No botanical distractions for me!
We'll be busy keeping our eyes peeled for our fiery little malcontent, after all!
Don't worry about me, Mr. Sholmes. My nerves will be fine. I'm not the same person I was before we met.
Let's... relax and make some nice memories, and maybe catch another crook on the side.
You may be correct, perhaps that's my own projection at work there.
Now, where were we? Is that… a Cepheus? Here of all places? Well, I'll be…
[THE PRESENT]
Botanical gardens... Hm.
.....
Best I stay away from there.
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So, C-Cassia, nice to meet you! This tea is indeed quite delicious, thank you!
A previous co-worker of mine is also quite interested in all things herbal, I bet you would get along well if he were here.
I'll be sure to check out your cakes, I love cake.
B-but... I couldn't help but overhear you... m-mutter something about dishes being returned. If you don't mind me asking, what reasons are the guests giving for returns?
As I ask this, I will scan the kitchen for anything that might additionally clue towards the answer, as well as look for anything that might... belong to me.
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(Wah...h-huge. So this is the power of a vee-eye-pee...)
Ooh, thanks lady!
Not "lady", she's BB, the lovely butterfly of London. Must be the "purple-haired imbecile" the others were-...ahem. Pleasure to meet you, miss. I hope you didn't land in too much trouble for those potatoes of yours, but I'll gladly take one off your hands for the runt here. Just make sure you finish your snacks before you go to the pool, Efi. We don't wanna make more trouble for the staff here...and I don't want one of those golems getting in my face.
"Hehe, I'll ignore you being a little rude, red-emo-kun.
Your daughter will grow up to be a main-character-type special heroine one day!
She's so discerning already... leveling your panache early on is super important.
Now, scuttle-scuttle off and enjoy your freshly-peeled potato~
Just-like-a-panda ☆ Hopping-along-to-Se-n-pa--"
"--i."
"Haha... no, you aren't wrong, Miss Baskerforge.
Sometimes feels like I'm at that period myself... but I think it's because I've done too much already.
Man, the Blumenthals... truthfully, I'm glad to hear their work's still getting spread around.
I mean, even with the comet itself gone, there's plenty of other things to look into related to it!
Everyone's made such a big deal out of memorializing the shards, but I've been thinking - maybe there's a few more lying around?
You know, even if you get rid of the original plant, the seeds will still grow. Kind of a strange metaphor, but...
...that's my pet theory about the comet, anyways. I'll see what Mr. Dhurvakt's thoughts are.
You've been a pleasure! Honestly.
(...oh, that wailing from the lobby... speak of the devil, I suppose.)"
"Hey hey, this is to-tal-ly illegal! The airport's already searched BB-chan up and down!
I'll defend that final potato peeler to my last breath!
Kung-fu-kiiiii --"
A nearby door opens,
and BB turns her attention over.
But...
and BB turns her attention over.
But...
"...ehh? Matcha?
Gross. They actually invited you?
I should be surprised, but I'm deffo too tired to care.
Are you gonna help me out or just stare at me like a weird little bug?
I mean, I'm in danger, kyaaa~
Surely Senpai will rush out and save me, hint hint hint~
Wherever Buxbaum-san wants to grab him from so I don't have to deal with this guy, hint hint~"
"...
Do you mind calling your golem back, Mr. Ethos? This girl's my younger sister. I hadn't expected her to... be this late, you see.
I'd be happy to group her on the same pass... if you don't mind... associated liabilities and all.
If you're worried about 'disclosure' and her 'abilities' and whatnot, I'll let you know before the day's over.
I just think... it'd be better for all of us if she wasn't disturbing the other patrons, right?
Least of all Mr. Marenghi."
"Huh? That hacky author you like's here?
I've been using the book you dropped off the other year as a doorstopper, sooooo..."
"Hmm, we should head toward the Aeaea Library after we get our passes, don't you think...?
Right? BB?"
"...
(Should I even tell Matcha why I'm here?
I wanna have a nice relaxing vacation, but,
if that little insect buzzing around Senpai gets to be an issue...
It'll affect him as much as it'll affect me.
Not that I expected to see him skulking around with a whole VIP pass...
...I'll just wait 'til tonight to catch him up.)"
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...? What on earth is that ruckus coming from the Lobby?
Hm, well if I had to make an educated guess based on the rather high-pitched vocalizations now ringing through the air... I would say that perhaps Reginald can handle this one. I have my doubts that she'll be allowed much further without Mr. Aldrich's approval regardless. She certainly made it through security faster than expected though.
Ah, and Mr. Tarlow seems to have captured the attention of the chef. Well, I'll leave them be. After spending hours in a rather cramped aircraft, I could use a spot of fresh air before we join Mr. DeMorge and hear a little more about this conference and his mysterious patron. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to get a look at the greater layout of the place beyond the boundaries of this particular building.
Indeed, I believe I'll take a stroll through the gardens - and perhaps take a glance at the pub and adjacent lounge on the way.
Of course, it's far too early for a drink. I suppose I'm simply curious as to the atmosphere.
Ah, but of course. The more the merrier, as they say. Another pair of eyes certainly wouldn't hurt either, at least while Reginald finds himself occupied. A shame, I'm sure he'd like to examine these gardens himself. Perhaps I'll relay any relevant findings or interesting sights upon my return.
Now, come along - and keep your eyes peeled. While it's true that I'm merely doing a spot of sightseeing, there's a certain rare flower I'm interested in myself.
So, if you spy a Red Lotus among the lot, do feel free to interrupt my prattling and give me a shout.
The Botanic Gardens, both east and west, feature a rich stroll through diverse and sometimes imported flora and fauna, natural to the various tropical islands of Findelo. Plants are highly capable of storing magical energy, and AEAEA and Cascade cultivates these plants for thematic and environmental reasons, using its waterworks to maintain vibrant plant life.
On a small, artificial island, a naturally diverse ecosystem is practically non-existant, so it serves as a museum all on its own. Overhead, a vast dome, shimmering with triangular panels and constructed with dizzying warding spells, filters intense weather and protects the hotel and its gardens from particularly rainy days.
The entire garden, divided by small paths, is bookended by two artificial waterfalls cascading down the sides of both lodges, making for a particularly striking display of architecture and thallassic engineering. The waterfalls each meet a circular pond, in the middle of which is a statue in the front of either resort. The rivers flow into two pools in front of the Main building. Small, but clear pipes dart between the buildings, undoubtedly filtering the entire system for gardening. An aquatic golem is tending to the West garden, while another stands unmoving in front of the Exhibition Room.
Crossing between the gardens, the AEAEA plaza has space set out for additional booths, particularly those that function better in a natural environment. There are decorations and banners aplenty. The stillness of an unoccupied event plaza where hundreds will soon gather is calming in its own unique way. The West Garden features more culinary plants, while the east is more natural and foresty. In the distance, beyond the statue in the center of the plaza, lies a Pool, where you can spot someone meditating poolside. To the south, the Open-Air Lounge, where patrons can relax, sprawl out and enjoy the sights in front of them, without the sun glaring overhead.
As Sholmes and ENA stroll across the outdoor area, there are exotic plants aplenty, labeled with their scientific names. A typical Findelan firefruit tree, bearing fruit which gives the juices served on the mainland their signature kick. You spot a dujopsis tholobrata.
As you stroll through the East Botanic gardens, you keep your eyes peeled for any kind of lotus. Indeed, at some points of the river there are Saraphaea lotuses, the national flower of Sarase. But.... thankfully, none resemble the ones you encountered on the island.
Between short palms, a glossy, metallic flower is poking out of the grass. In all of your years of botany study, you've never heard of a plant capable of giving off such an impressive sheen... so you take a closer look.
(...POTEN........REACH......D........ING PROTOCOLS.........MONI......TUATION.....FINE.......OVER AND OUT)
(Deployed. Phew..... Shit! Someone's seen me. Okay Val, social interaction is fine. Be natural)
[With a rustle of leaves, a loud tumble and a face-plant, the glossy helmet and the young woman attached to it tumble out of the nearby bushes into your path.]
.................hi.....hold on.
[Despite her copious amounts of equipment, she stands up in an impressively fast way, with the speed and flexibility of a person who routinely meets the ground like this, and extends her hand towards yours]
Valerie Knotweed. Professional Ecologist. Invasive species are my field of expertise, like, their impacts on particularly delicate island life can be catastrophic, y'feel.
So, I capture 'em and study 'em, and how they've evolved to their unique environments. What makes a species particularly invasive. What makes a species so fragile that introducing a New Mycelian pigeon to its ecosystem would end in mass extinction. Was there really an island of giants at one point in our existence...... and how did they evolve. Well nothing that interesting. Uh.
(...!) I'm also an engineer. I build my own arcane capture devices and traps to ensnare all kinds of critters. Well, I also train them in some cases. To be better, easier to be controlled. That's kind of a magical engineering of its own. You know how some people have familiars? Big or small, it's like that....... My talk is scheduled for later, if you're interested.....(for a speech I haven't written....)
Not invasive plants though. I can't talk to weeds. Some people can though. I prefer talking to fauna. (Small talk, Val. You have no idea who these people are. They might not understand anything.)
Uh. Public speaking sure is....................an enjoyable activity.
[It seems she's frozen up.]
You've met Valerie Knotweed. The Persons of Interest file will be updated shortly.
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So, C-Cassia, nice to meet you! This tea is indeed quite delicious, thank you!
A previous co-worker of mine is also quite interested in all things herbal, I bet you would get along well if he were here.
I'll be sure to check out your cakes, I love cake.
B-but... I couldn't help but overhear you... m-mutter something about dishes being returned. If you don't mind me asking, what reasons are the guests giving for returns?
As I ask this, I will scan the kitchen for anything that might additionally clue towards the answer, as well as look for anything that might... belong to me.
My, you have good taste, Garett. You may taste the matcha sponge with strawberry cream. But, do not touch the display ive set up outside. It's for our gathering later.
As you can see, I've made liberal use of the botanic gardens outside. Collecting some samples for later use. If any consolation to me, this island is culinary paradise.
My vines are my chef's toolkit. A pinch of rosemary here, a dash of thyme~ Ah! It sets my heart alight.~
Why, yes. There's a guest staying in the Ramura wing right now, who seldom leaves his room, yet insists upon exploiting my good graces, asking for many adjustments. Tch! You've helped me settle down a little. That pot got the brunt of my rage, so I'll simply whip up my final attempt.
While striking up conversation with Cassia, you scan the kitchen in more detail. Some of Cassia's personal belongings are here. Her catering equipment is dignified and organised, amidst the chaotic mess surrounding it. Chafing dishes, a fabric rollout of ornately decorated cooking tools, but your eye catches on a rollable steel case amidst the other items. There are freshly gathered herbs and mushrooms laying undisturbed on one counter.
Gazing at the dishes, it appears they're a kind of cold soup, with vegetables gracefully swimming in rich broth. Each one features varying amounts of its components, almost as if someone's very, very picky.
You spot nothing of yours in here, save for the newly acquired sponge cake.
[A noblewoman highly perceptible to manners, Cassia catches your lack of eye contact, and sees through your observation.]
...Hm? Are you looking for something~?
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You note the following:
The guest book has had its names redacted in several places, but many of their comments remain. Some of the comments are less than pleasant, mentioning items going missing in both wings, confusing rearrangements of their items, or otherwise. You recall rumors of the establishment being haunted. There are fancy names aplenty, but mages be like that. Solomon DeMorge was here at one point.
Ethos pays you no mind. It seems nothing in there is out of the ordinary to him.
You check the bookcases, and discard their excess trash for your peak fiction. Aldrich spots you leaving flyers in the foyer, and sighs.
Well, he wouldn't be much of an obtuse taskmaster if he just wrote "I'm here, come and get me" into the guest book.
I suppose he'll make himself known eventually.
For now, let's check out the amenities.
...
It looks like BB is getting into a fight with the water golem.
Better get out of here before I'm getting roped into it.
...Hm, I wonder what Buddy is up to right now.
Take the west corridor into the Ramura building. Do a quick side-glance at the gardens on the way, but do not linger for more than 5 seconds. Check out the infinity pool area and the sun room. Also check out the stairs. Where do they lead?
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You examine the pool and the sun room. The infinity pool gives the illusion of being connected to the ocean, and the space in front of it has change rooms and such. In the Sun Room, an ornate display casts a shadow onto the ground, where guests can relax. More plants are here. There are amenities for meditating and sunbathing, such as mirrors, towels and mats.
The stairs work as an emergency entrance to the upper floors, and lead to a staff hallway in the basement.
You note someone sunbathing by the outdoor pool.
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Gah! Good grief, I asked you to shout if you noticed the plant in question, not to start yelling at the first person we encountered! An effective means of interrogation it may be, but I'm standing right beside you! My eardrums shan't recover from this...
...Ahem. My apologies, Ms.... Knotweed, was it? We're just guests, simply taking in the sights. Yet... My temporary companion does have a point - it's not every day that one scurries into the bushes to mutter to themselves. I'd be curious as to what you were doing in there, myself - and to the nature of this rather remarkable flower here.
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[With no hesitation, her left arm reaches down to unclip her holster. But in the brief moment it takes you to realise she might shoot something at you, she jumps back into the bushes. You hear a fast scuttling noise, followed by a metallic clamp locking into place]
..........................................................................................................................................
(.........................Stay here for now.)
(.........................)
(.........................Ugh. Val.... Agitated creatures are nothing new, no matter how sentient. Just wait for them to calm down... then pounce....that's the right thing to do.)
[Carefully, she pokes her head out from the bushes when she hears Sholmes' admonishment, and then question.]
.........................................................................................................................................(I'll get them back later.)
.............................Okay, fine......You don't have to yell. Who in the cosmos are you to ask what I'm doing, anyway. Not just ask, but YELL! I.... can tame far bigger beasts than you. Ever had a collar around your neck? Want to find out???
Gah! Good grief, I asked you to shout if you noticed the plant in question, not to start yelling at the first person we encountered! An effective means of interrogation it may be, but I'm standing right beside you! My eardrums shan't recover from this...
...Ahem. My apologies, Ms.... Knotweed, was it? We're just guests, simply taking in the sights. Yet... My temporary companion does have a point - it's not every day that one scurries into the bushes to mutter to themselves. I'd be curious as to what you were doing in there, myself - and to the nature of this rather remarkable flower here.
This guy has a better sense of curiosity. Before I answer, are any of you friends with that concierge?
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(Yeah)
[Tolerating no more of your mysterious hot and cold antics, she unclips her holster, and just straight up fires a weighted net at you from the device at her side.]
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(there's a net over top of her)
Augh! I've had enough of this cheap cockroach! Get her to squirm up the truth, Detective Sholmes, and get me squirmed out of this! Why'd I ever take this stupid job...
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(Hm, quite the crackshot, this one. Well, I'll consider myself lucky not to count myself among her targets for now - though I expect that may change in the near future, at least once I get around to freeing my companion from her bindings.)
Now then, I'm afraid there's no need for such things. I believe she was simply confused by your inquiry and scrambled to provide an... admittedly odd response. I'm afraid we don't know of which "concierge" you speak. Mr. Tarlow, perhaps? Or do you mean Mr. Aldrich or Dr. Baskerforge? We've only just arrived, you see - neither of us have exchanged much in the way of words with anyone besides yourself, I'm afraid.
Or perhaps you can consider that a boon? Whatever you share, you can be assured that we'll keep it within the closest confidence. Rest assured, I'm not about to go flapping my lips to a bunch of people I've scarcely met. Detective's honor.
...I am however, obligated to let her out before her screaming attracts undue attention. With your dedication to secrecy, I'm sure you can agree on those terms, yes?
But, with all that in mind, I am still terribly curious as to what you're engaged in. It's not only for my own interest, mind you - my investigative partner has an affinity for botany as well, I'd thought that he'd want to hear a thing or two about such a specimen as that.
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Their purple scales glisten in the sunlight, but they still appear to be wearing a multicolored outfit. It seems they're deep in thought, and don't notice you staring for the abnormally long time it took me to get to this investigation. Well, win-win for everyone!
You hurriedly dash up and down the fire staircase and check out the rooms. The ones you check are locked. Each floor features an aquatic pipe in place of the dumbwaiter. Currently, you note from the fire escape map that all of them are similar. There are 10 floors, each with the same layouts. Imagine having to clean, or detail, all of that! Imagine how many corridors that would add to your backlog of things to investigate!
Alas, you quickly surmise from your foresight lessons with Mr. Sholmes that the only floors of interest right now are Floor 7, and the upper penthouse floor, which you cannot access until your final clearance is approved.
There is a rather unassuming, yet still weirdly out of place door on Floor 7 that seems to indicate a much larger room than the hotel's normal room is behind it.
It reminds you.... to take out your copy of Slicer IV: The Blade is Back from your back pocket. Carrying it up and down these staircases unsecured might cause you to lose it.
Okay, I would like to stay on floor 7 a bit and look around for one of those maintenance carts with the cleaning supplies and bleach on it. I wheel that to the conspicuous door and knock.
(In falsetto voice)
Room cleaning~ Open uuup~~~
(In falsetto voice)
Room cleaning~ Open uuup~~~